5 Tips to Build a Maternity Wardrobe on a Budget

I’m just under a month away from giving birth to my second child. I wish I could say that after two pregnancies I’m an expert in maternity wardrobes, but I feel like I still don’t have it totally figured out. However, there are a few lessons I’ve learned along the way that have helped me to build a versatile maternity wardrobe on a budget.

How to build a maternity wardrobe on a budget.

{Figure out the pieces you enjoy wearing and feel comfortable in.} For me, since the majority of both my pregnancies have been during the warmer months, I live in dresses. I found a few dresses that work for me as my belly grows, and I wear the heck out of those dresses. On days I feel less-than-cute, I can just throw on a dress in the morning and at the very least feel put-together.

{Spend a little more on staples, less on layering pieces.} If you know you’re going to wear jeans a lot, find a couple of pairs that are comfortable and look good, even if you have to spend a little more. When you’re wearing them multiple times a week, you’ll be thankful. Same goes for dress pants or slacks if you need them for work. However, when it comes to tees, tank tops, skirts, and even dresses, many of my Old Navy and Target sale finds served me well for both pregnancies. Just think about the pieces you’ll be wearing more frequently, and plan your budget accordingly.

{Know brands you like and shop used.} I think used clothing is a godsend during pregnancy. I was lucky enough to borrow maternity clothes from friends, so definitely say yes if a friend of yours offers to share! Also, with stores like ThredUp, an online consignment shop, you can shop for second-hand pieces without leaving your house. It helps to shop for brands whose sizing you’re familiar with so that you can be confident that what you order will work.

{Use accessories to change up a look.} If you find an outfit formula that works for you, you might just find yourself repeating it again and again and again. By changing up your accessories, however, you can fool people into thinking that you’re wearing something new each time. In the summer, my go-to accessories are bold statement necklaces and earrings (I’m such a fan of the lightweight leather earrings from KC local Nickel and Suede!). In the cooler months, you can have fun with scarves, cardigans, and jackets to liven up basics.

{Don’t limit yourself to maternity wear only.} It’s important to have several maternity staples you can wear again and again. However, to give yourself a little more versatility, try to get creative with some of your non-maternity pieces too. For example, I love wearing my button-up shirts as a jacket, especially when it’s warm out, but I still want a light layer. Also, I have a few stretchy knit skirts and dresses that aren’t maternity, but still fit comfortably over (or below) my bump, even in my third trimester.

Do you have any tips that you would add? How do you shop smart for your maternity wardrobe?

Shea
Shea lives in Olathe with her husband Aaron, children Jona and Violet, and their spoiled mutt Ellie. She’s a busy working mom who finds her balance in the kitchen, experimenting with new recipes that her picky toddler won’t touch. At the end of a long day, you’ll either find her curled up on the couch with a good book, or busy writing posts for her life and style blog, Shea Lennon, where she hopes to inspire women to look good and live well on a budget. Whether she’s reading or blogging, she’ll likely be accompanied by a bowl of ice cream (the chocolatier, the better) or a glass of wine. And on a good night, both.

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